Barbarajean Sather

Heaven gained an amazing soul on November 21, 2020 when our beloved Barbarajean passed away beautifully and peacefully after a 30 year struggle with multiple sclerosis. She is preceded in death by her parents, Alfred E. Syverud and Genevieve Wold Syverud and is survived by her husband Lee Sather, children Joel Sather (Liesl), Judd Sather (Martha), Emily Tweed (Joshua) and grandchildren Bjorn, Kai, Gunnar, Jackson and Nora. She is also survived by her brother Stephen (Barbara), nephew Derek (Janelle) and niece Dana (Mark) as well as many loved extended family members.

Barbarajean was born on August 16, 1943 in Minneapolis, MN and graduated from Miramonte High School in Orinda, CA. She followed in her parents’ footsteps and attended St. Olaf College ‘65 where she met her husband Lee Sather when he helped her up after she crashed into a snowbank while twirling her baton on ice skates. Some say the fall was purposeful... Barbarajean and Lee put roots down in Lafayette, CA, Boston, MA, Castro Valley, CA, Spencer, Iowa, and in 1995 moved to the beautiful river town of Stillwater, MN. She spent the last 3 years residing at Good Samaritan Society in nursing home care where she received the Biggest Flirt Award.

Barbarajean was a California State Champion Baton Twirler with the Oakland (CA) Waldonian Band in her early years. She was an English, Speech, and Drama teacher in Robbinsdale (MN), and taught Student Success Classes for at-risk students as well as coordinated Baccalaureate programs at Spencer High School (IA). She was awarded First In the Nation in Education by Iowa Governor Terry Branstad for Student “Success Class” for at-risk students at Spencer High School. She also was a piano teacher emphasizing that joy is better than perfection. Through the many parishes she served, she directed children’s musicals tricking adults to “act” like children and was the Interpretive Dance Worship Choir Director adding joyful elegance to Easter Sunrise Services. She was a remarkable Pipe Organ player believing that you must “wrestle the beast to at least a draw, or don’t climb on the bench”. She developed both a prayer group postcard and birthday calling ministries which eventually reached her grandchildren decades later. Barbarajean always welcomed strangers to the Thanksgiving table, including many college students and the cashier at our local gas station even after she drove away with the gas pump handle still in her car. She had a bit of mischief in her eye and sported a quick wit. She had the rare skill of being able to touch her tongue to her nose which in the end, let us know she was still there and hearing us. She was slightly irreverent with a filterless analysis and would pinch your butt to put a spring in your step. She had insatiable hospitality and was an unforgettable lover of people with her huge heart and smile for everyone; a bright light and a gift to many. She would never miss her children’s athletic games or concerts as she had a fierce love for her family, and is dancing and singing once again. “The Lord, my God, my strength, my song has now become my victory.”

A Memorial Service and Reception will be held at the JX Event Venue in Stillwater, MN at a later date to be announced once restrictions are lifted. The Family has set up a Facebook page to share stories here:https://www.facebook.com/groups/178561820567034
Sympathy cards may be sent to the following address: Lee Sather 1801 2nd St. N Stillwater, MN. 55082

Memorials in Barbarajean’s honor can be sent to: The Alfred and Genevieve Syverud Music Scholarship Fund: St. Olaf College / St. Olaf Advancement 1520 St. Olaf Avenue Northfield, MN 55057 800-733-6523 www.stolaf.edu/giving/ -or- National Multiple Sclerosis Society: www.nationalmssociety.org/Donate